Gumbura applies for bail

HARARE - Convicted Independent End Time Message founder Robert Martin Gumbura has filed a bail application pending his appeal against conviction and 40-year jail term.

Harare magistrate Hosea Mujaya will pass ruling on the application after the State files its submissions tomorrow.

Gumbura was convicted on four counts of rape and contravening the Censorship Act.

His lawyer Rekai Maposa argued the court had misdirected itself when it convicted and sentenced Gumbura.

She said there were no prospects of Gumbura absconding court proceedings because he was highly cooperative during his trial.

“Applicant did not abscond proceedings which culminated into his conviction,” Maposa argued. “His cooperation with investigating officers and arresting details was above board.”

Maposa implied that the magistrate used emotions in passing sentence.

“On the social front, there has been a hysterical demand for clearing the society of sexual offenders at all costs,” she said. “Judicial officers should however, not lose sight of the basic tenets of justice and fairness or get emotionally involved.”

Mujaya sentenced the 57-year-old pastor to 15 years each on the first two counts of rape, and jailed him for 10 years on each of the other two counts. From the total of 50 years, Mujaya suspended 10 years.

A further four months, which are to run concurrently with the 40-year prison term, were added on the charge of possessing pornographic material.

Gumbura, who initially faced nine counts of rape was acquitted on the other five charges.

In passing sentence, Mujaya said Gumbura was a “wolf in a sheep skin” who preyed on girls and women to gain sexual favours.

“The core business of church is worshipping, not sleeping with girls or women and threatening them, claiming misfortunes would befall them,” Mujaya said.

“The victims must have been psychologically affected. They are going to suffer trauma and stigmatisation,” Mujaya said, adding that steps should be taken to ensure that the survivors receive counselling.

Prosecutor Jonathan Murombedzi had urged the court to impose a life sentence or at least 25 years for each count.

Comments (10)

Gumbura's lawyer just wants to get as much money out of Gumbura as possible. How can Mujaya grant bail to Gumbura given that he has aleady sentenced Gumbura to 40 years behind bars. Mujaya thinks Gumbura is a menace to society and rightly so!

Feldman Bandura - 26 February 2014

Very confusing, how can Gumbura who was convicted by Mujaya appeal to the same man?

Mukanya - 26 February 2014

No Gumbura is a criminal but not a rapist. he was charged on a wrong charge that is why he is appealing. We understand he cursed people who later died this is what he should be charged for not reading the bible and suddenly a woman strips naked in his bedroom eh, no that is not rape and I am one who will always feel justice was not done to Gumbura. Look here on nude pictures let us all stop and grab each other's phones and see whats in them 80% have at least an obscene picture or video now should all these people go to jail when it is in their privacy. the Magistrate erred and erred else vana Tinopona nana Pokello vangadai vari ku jeri kutaura so. That whatssapp message said 'hey I have slept with many men but Gumbura was number one' and you say she was raped.

Maita Manyuka - 26 February 2014

women are the most dangerous creatures in our recent days, guys watch out!!!!!!

Nobody should be above the law! Gumbura aitotamba naMwari! He shamed us christians, a wolf clothed in sheep's clothing. this should be a warning to other guys who call themselves pastors, who are doing contrary to the bible. HE MUST STAY THERE! If what he did is correct, let him ask God to take him out! like paul and silas he will be out. like shadreck ,mischeck and abedinigo, he will be out. like daniel he will be out. God still answers prayers!

think - 27 February 2014

Gumbura must be freed like yesterday guys otherwise God will rain anger against ALL who touched the Lord's anointed in words, actions and deeds. Time is running out, something must be done or we face God's music guys.

Think twice - 27 February 2014

i believe justice was not done to Gumbura.He is not a rapist,i think he did not fulfil some of the promises he made to his lovers.

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